Christmas Tree Coloring Page

This Christmas tree coloring page shows a tall tree in three layers, topped with a big star. Round ornaments hang on every layer and a string of garland loops across the branches. Three wrapped presents with bows sit under the tree. Snowflakes float in the corners. It is a nice pick for kids aged 5 to 10.

The tree is easy to fill, but the ornaments and the gift boxes add many small spaces. That makes it a bit more of a project. Most kids take 20 to 30 minutes.

Who this page is for

Kids in kindergarten through fourth grade get the most from this page. Younger kids can color the big green layers and the star. Older kids can give every ornament a different color and add patterns to the wrapping paper on each present.

It is also a calm activity for the busy days before the holidays, when kids are excited and need something quiet to do.

Christmas tree coloring page color ideas

Green is the obvious choice for the tree. Try two greens, a darker one for the bottom of each layer and a lighter one on top. It gives the tree some depth. Make the trunk brown and the star bright yellow.

The ornaments are where kids can go wild. Red, blue and gold look classic. The garland can be gold or silver. For the presents, think of real wrapping paper. One box could have red and white squares, one could be all yellow and the last could be blue with a white bow.

A soft cream or yellow background gives the scene a warm glow, like a living room lit by tree lights.

Tips for a bright tree

• Color the ornaments before the green. It is easier to color around small circles than to fill them in after.
• Use colored pencils for the garland. The line is thin and pencils give more control than crayons.
• Add a small white curve on each ornament to make it look shiny.
• Draw tiny dots around the tree with a yellow marker. They look like twinkling lights.

Fun facts about Christmas trees

The custom of bringing a decorated tree indoors grew in Germany and nearby parts of Europe hundreds of years ago. Early trees were trimmed with paper roses, apples and sweets. Later, candles were added, and today most trees use electric lights. Read more on Wikipedia.

The star on top of many trees stands for the Star of Bethlehem from the Christmas story. Some families put an angel there instead.

Most real Christmas trees sold in the United States are firs, spruces or pines. They grow on tree farms, and a farm tree often takes seven years or more to reach the size of a family tree. After the holidays, many towns collect old trees and turn them into mulch for parks. Ask your child if they can spot any of these kinds of trees on your next walk.

After you finish coloring

Cut out the tree and glue it to green card stock for a sturdy decoration. Kids can glue real sequins or small buttons onto the ornaments for a 3D look.

In class, give each student a copy and let them design their own wrapping paper on the presents. Then hang the trees side by side to make a holiday forest on the wall.

At home, ask your child what they would like to find in each of the three boxes. Write their answers on the gift tags. It makes a sweet keepsake to look back on next year.

More Christmas pages to print

Browse all of our Christmas coloring pages for more holiday fun. The Christmas stocking coloring page pairs well with this one, since the two look great hung side by side.